Ola Akinwunmi
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is under scrutiny following its defense of the ₦40,000 monthly salary paid to street sweepers, asserting that this amount complies with the national minimum wage standards.
In July 2024, after extensive negotiations between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the federal government, the national minimum wage was increased to ₦70,000 per month. This adjustment aimed to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Nigerian workers amid escalating living costs.
However, reports have surfaced indicating that LAWMA’s street sweepers receive ₦40,000 monthly, significantly below the established minimum wage.
This discrepancy has raised concerns about the agency’s compliance with labor laws and the equitable treatment of its workforce.
Historically, street sweepers in Lagos have faced challenges regarding fair compensation. In 2012, when the national minimum wage was ₦18,000, private contractors paid sweepers just ₦10,000, while those employed directly by LAWMA earned ₦12,000.
Despite promises of wage improvements, many sweepers continue to earn below the mandated minimum, highlighting ongoing issues within the system.
The federal government’s 2025 budget reflects a commitment to worker welfare, allocating ₦845 billion for minimum wage adjustments.
This substantial provision underscores the importance of aligning salaries with the national standard to ensure workers can meet their basic needs.
The situation with LAWMA’s street sweepers brings to light broader concerns about wage disparities and labor rights enforcement in Nigeria. As the cost of living continues to rise, with basic necessities consuming a significant portion of workers’ incomes, addressing these wage discrepancies becomes increasingly urgent.
Advocates are calling for immediate action to rectify the pay structure for street sweepers, emphasizing the need for all workers to receive at least the national minimum wage. Ensuring fair compensation is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative to improve the livelihoods of those who play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness.
